Saving conversation for race day
Xaarlin was such an awesome personal pacer at the Naperville Marathon last year. We discussed strategy quite a bit before the race, but also, a lot of my personal preferences, such as: how drill sergeant-y I wanted her to be, where she should run (in front of me, beside me, behind me), what reminders I needed (check my form!), what would be encouraging to hear, and so on. And like I said, she did an excellent job!
One thing on my list was conversation preference. I know… kind of weird. But I’ve learned a few things about how conversation helps me in long, goal races. First, I like to start the race with with running happy – that means, well, topics that make me happy! Then, toward the end, as the race gets harder, I need to talk about things that make me “run angry.” You know, when you’re talking about something that makes you upset and you run faster? Useful tool at the end of a race… not to be used in the beginning, ha ha (seriously, it wears me out – it’s just asking to bonk).
Secondly, if I’m running with just one other person, and I’m getting quieter and quieter, that’s a sign I’m fading. I’m someone who can almost always think of something to talk about, so if I shut it, something’s up. Bad news in an endurance event! And it probably has some science-y reason it’s happening – less blood flow to the brain or low blood sugar or whatever.
So. Since I enjoy talking during long endurance events, sometimes I will purposefully hold back on conversation with my running partner, prior to the event, so I have lots of conversation topic. Ha ha, don’t worry; I’m not being rude and ignoring them that week, just not going all out in the blabbering, like usual.
We did these things at Naperville and it mostly helped! There was only one thing I didn’t realize I needed to remind Xaarlin to force me to do – eat in the last 6-8 miles. I get to this place mentally where no food sounds good (I know, surprising) and stop eating, which, derr, makes me crash! I’ve definitely learned from that!
I was really encouraged after my 22-miler with Rachel. We held a steady pace and I was chatty the whole time and did not get delirious at the end. Yesterday’s 22-miler was also mentally successful (just not so much physically) as in I did not reach delirium!
Just, honestly, ran in to some cold weather logistics on the long run. I love running in the cold and snow, but 22 can be a bit tricky in those conditions.
I’m feeling really excited about running Dallas with Gina in just over two weeks. We’ll do the same “save the convo” for race day plan (or as Gina called it, a “talking taper,” ha ha!), a bit, since she’ll be busy the week of the race and the two of us won’t have much alone time until we’re running those 26.2. Maybe instead of a pace band, I should do a “convo” band. Ha ha. “Okay, at mile 20, start bitching about xyz.” Hee hee.
Dallas is her first marathon, so, really, I don’t care what our finish time is, as long as we have fun. But it would be nice not to be out of it for the last few miles, and I know these things will help me. Ha ha.
Have you ever “saved conversation” for a race (or a run or other event!) with a friend?
Themocracy
you have some awesome running friends!
For better or worse, I like to run alone…I guess I don’t have any save convos…!
Talking taper – I love it!
It looks freaking cold in that picture – brrrr…. Hopefully Dallas will be warmer.
Gina said she thought Dallas would be warmer! No idea though! Race day temps have a big range in history! The other problem is that if it’s much hotter, I am screwed! LOL
Cold and sunny, my favorite weather to run! Beautiful photo.
I like to talk during the workouts but in race I prefer to save my breathe…….
Thanks 🙂
Hee hee, I am such a lazy runner… I almost always do longer distance events at talking pace! 😉
Where do you live in Italy? I lived there for a few months in 2006 🙂
I had never thought about a conversation style for a race. That’s funny that you want angry topics toward the end :). And I love the idea of a talking taper!
Oh gosh, that day was amazing 🙂 I am still so ridiculously proud of you 🙂 I am super glad we spoke about our game plan pre race- like weeks before. Since you were going for a goal, I wanted to make sure I could take off as much pressure as possible off of you. I think the saving conversation for the race day was awesome. The conversation just flowed and the Miles flew by!
I think your idea for a convo band is awesome! I’ve read about people who dedicate miles to different folks in their lives with a bracelets to remind them, so a convo band would do the trick! Ah I’m so excited for you and Gina!!!
Thank you! I was so happy you were able to pace me… such a luxury for me!!!! I hope we get a chance again someday… maybe a half? Hee hee. The miles DID fly by!!! Even in those retched hills!!!
I thought of mile dedications when I wrote that! Hee hee hee. I should try that, too, for solo races!
Thanks for being excited for us! I am getting stoked! dos semanas!
I rarely have anyone to run races with. I did have a person strike up conversation during my first half marathon and he talked me through 5 miles, made for a very pleasant event!
Isn’t it fun to have someone to talk to at longer events? I know some people don’t prefer it, but I do! 🙂 Not for a 5K though (that I am “racing”) lol.
Wow, that’s an interesting point, I wouldn’t have thought of saving up conversation for the tough miles. I always say this, but you’re so considerate and thoughtful!
I’m not sure what I would want during my tough miles! I’m afraid that if someone were being chatty and peppy, I’d just be like “Ahh, leave me here to die!!!” and get all grumpy and mean. Maybe I just shouldn’t run with people, ha.
Ha ha ha, no, you can run with people, just tell them that chatty and peppy is NOT what you want!